Production has officially kicked off in New Zealand for “Marama,” a groundbreaking gothic horror film from Māori writer-director Taratoa Stappard, known for his previous works “Taumanu” and “Emkhatsini.” Filming is taking place in and around Auckland on the North Island, as well as in the picturesque Otago region of the South Island.
Set against the moody backdrop of North Yorkshire, England, in 1859, “Marama” tells the poignant story of a young Māori woman striving to reclaim her identity and cultural roots in the heart of Victorian-era Britain. The film’s title is inspired by its central character, highlighting her journey of self-discovery.
Leading the cast is Māori actress Ariana Osborne, recognized for her performances in “Madam” and “In A Flash.” She is joined by British actor Toby Stephens, known for roles in “Black Sails,” “Die Another Day,” and “Percy Jackson and The Olympians,” who has recently wrapped his scenes for the film.
The ensemble also includes Umi Myers from “Bob Marley: One Love,” along with New Zealand talents Erroll Shand, featured in “Savage” and “The Luminaries,” and Jordan Mooney from “The Bluff” and “Pike River.”
“Marama” is produced by Sharlene George, co-CEO of The Sweetshop and a key figure behind “Taumanu,” “Testify,” and “Birds Eye View.” Joining her in production are Rickylee Russell-Waipuka, Rouzie Hassanova, and Paraone Gloyne, who will serve as the Māori language and culture producer. Executive producers include Victoria Dabbs and Gal Greenspan for Sweetshop Entertainment, Jill Macnab and Phil Bremner for Vendetta Films, along with Badie Ali, Hamza Ali, and Greg Newman for MPI Media.
This film has garnered support from a variety of prestigious organizations, including Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga (The New Zealand Film Commission), imagineNATIVE, The Black List, the Toronto International Film Festival, the Zurich Film Festival, and the Berlinale Co-Production Market.
“Marama” is being developed in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Whakaata Māori, and Images & Sound. Vendetta Films will handle distribution in Australia and New Zealand, while MPI International will oversee global rights sales.
Stappard, who resides in the U.K. and hails from the Māori tribes Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Tuwharetoa, expresses his excitement for the project: “This film will be confronting, bloody, and entirely unique. I’m thrilled to be forging a new genre: Māori gothic horror.”
Producer Sharlene George adds, “We’re bringing something truly different to the screen, blending cultural statements with story worlds that rarely intersect. I couldn’t be happier that we’re shooting and handling post-production here in Aotearoa to truly anchor the story in its land.”
